S16 E7: Grid, Meet Water: Inside thermal energy networks and the water–energy nexus with Jay Egg

Water and wastewater systems are no longer just infrastructure—they are powerful, untapped energy assets hiding in plain sight.In this episode of the Smells Like Money Podcast, we explore the water–energy nexus and how thermal energy networks are reshaping the future of utilities, cities, and the electric grid. Building on our previous geothermal discussion, this conversation dives into how drinking water and wastewater systems can meet up to 50% of building energy demand while reducing grid strain, funding infrastructure upgrades, and creating long-term economic value.We discuss why water, wastewater, and thermal energy must be treated as one integrated utility, not separate silos—and how this shift is becoming urgent as EV adoption rises, infrastructure ages, and workforce shortages grow. You’ll hear real-world municipal examples, insights into state-level legislation, and how utilities can monetize existing assets without becoming traditional energy providers.If you’re a utility leader, policymaker, contractor, or anyone curious about how infrastructure can do more with what it already has, this episode will change how you think about water.Key topics covered:- What the water–energy nexus really means—and why it matters now- How thermal energy networks reduce electric grid stress- Why wastewater systems are becoming clean energy hubs- The role of integrated utilities in resilient communities- Policy, labor, and clean-energy alignment driving change- Preparing utilities for the next wave of infrastructure demandThis episode also sets the stage for the final part of our geothermal series, where we shift focus to private industry, industrial water reuse, and cooling applications.The future of energy isn’t just electric—it’s thermal, integrated, and already flowing beneath our feet.Connect With Jay Egg:President & Founder: Egg GeoEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/egggeothermalairconditioning/Website: egggeo.comI hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have.Please let us know your thoughts about the episode!Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells Like Money Podcast:Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/Email: [email protected] Telephone: +1 760-217-8010Listen and subscribe here to your favorite platform:Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - Cast Box - Overcast - Pocket Casts - YouTube - Spotifyhttps://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast:https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/Be a guest on our show:https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guestCheck Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros:https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros#SmellsLikeMoneyPodcast #WaterEnergyNexus #ThermalEnergyNetworks #GeothermalEnergy #IntegratedUtilities #WaterInfrastructure #CleanEnergy #UtilityInnovation #FutureOfEnergy #WastewaterIndustry